Disclaimer: **Blink** say it with me now: I do not own Phantom of the Opera… **Lights up** I DO own the mysterious magical woman! MUHAHAHAHA!

A/N: A special thanks to all my reviewers! COOKIES FOR THEM ALL! **Throws out cookies** ^-^

"Sooner or later, I wanted to run now

Sooner or later, it's finally come now

How can we fly, like the angels in the sacred air?

Higher and higher, above the world and all its cares…" – "Braver Than We Are" from the musical, 'Dance of the Vampires'.

***

Chapter 5

        I took Christine to the theatre, where Monsieur Reyer was impatiently waiting for her to begin the rehearsal. Careful to remain in the shadows, I made my way to Box Five. Sitting in the same chair I always occupied, my attention focused to the stage below.

        There stood Christine. The dazzling light from the chandelier cast golden rays of light in her chocolate brown curls. In the corner of the stage, the ballet de corpse observed as my angel opened her mouth to sing.

        Oh, I could not even begun to describe the ecstasy I was feeling at that moment. Her harmonious voice sweetly rang throughout the theatre, as soft as the jingling of bells, yet as majestic as the sounds of trumpets. She lifted her head, as if singing towards the heavens, but turned it slightly towards my direction. The music drifted from the stage, swirling about my head, a gentle caress to my ears.

        "Holy angel, in Heaven blessed… my soul longs to rest with thee!" Christine sang, her eyes glowing with complete rapture, as if she meant the very words that escaped her lips. She spread her arms out, joyful delight filling her voice.

        Lamentably, all songs have their ending, and it was time for hers. When her claret lips closed, the theatre became deafeningly silent, with only the quiet ricochet of her voice fading away. By now, even Madame Giry had stopped her actions, in order to watch Christine.

        Monsieur Reyer blinked a few times, as he closed his music. Scratching his head, he smiled, stuttering, "W-well done, Mlle Daae! You do have a remarkably talented voice, but I daresay, you've never sung like that before!"

        Madame Giry's eyes slowly glimpsed towards my direction. Leaning back into the shadows, I remained there until she finally looked away.

        Christine blushed, biting her lip. "Merci, Monsieur." She courteously replied, with a light curtsey.

        "Everyone, you may take a five minute break…" M. Reyer stated, glancing at the remainder of the cast.

        Madame Giry clapped her hands firmly, "Five minutes, ladies!"

        The entire ballet de corpse scattered, the theatre suddenly filling with merry giggling and overexcited voices. Little Meg rushed to Christine.

        "Christine!" She cried gleefully, embracing her best friend, "What is with you? You seem especially happy today! Happier than you've ever been!"

        Christine grinned, "I feel happier than I've ever been, Meg!"

        "Are you in love?" The dancer teased, giggling.

        Nodding, she clasped Meg's hand, exclaiming, "Oui! I am!"

        Meg gasped, squeezing her friend's hand tightly, bouncing up and down, "With who?"

        Christine parted her lips to speak, but Madame Giry's firm voice cut her off.

        "Back to practice!" She harshly called. "Meg!"

        Biting her lip, Meg turned around, "But Mama! Just one more minute! Please?"

        "Meg!" Came the reply.

        "I'll speak to you later, Christine!" She called, reluctantly scampering back to her angry, awaiting mother.

        "An angel…" Christine whispered the answer to Meg's question, thinking no one was able to hear her.

        I did.

        My heart skipped several beats as I stood, my coat trailing me as I twirled around. Rushing back towards the cellars, I dashed inside my home. During these four days, I had to enjoy her love – make these the happiest days I had ever known. Hastily dropping my hat on the chair, I slipped off my cloak.

        Tonight had to be superb – romantic. My eyes scanned the house, searching for something… Something that would add to the tenderness of the moment… Gazing about the area, I took note of the numerous candles I possessed. As my lips curled into an excited smile, I grasped a small match, lighting a single candle. Swiftly blowing out the match, I clutched the lit candle, giving a flame to the rest of them. When I finished, I bustled into the kitchen, selecting the best wine I owned. Opening the wooden cabinets, I began to cook dinner, hardly able to contain the exhilaration within me.

        A few hours later, I heard the door softly creek open. Catching my breath, I dashed to the door, blocking the entrance from Christine.

        "What are you doing, Erik?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow. Her eyes appeared weary, as if rehearsal had been excruciatingly long.

        Vigilantly placing a blindfold around her eyes, I led her to her room, where I had lay a new dress for her upon her bed. It was a garnet evening gown that maintained no sleeves. Removing the material from her eyes, she saw the gown.

        Gasping, Christine clamped her tiny hand over her mouth. "Oh, Erik… it's lovely, but why…"

        Pressing my finger to her lips, I smiled. "Just put it on, my love… You shall see."

        Gently closing her door, I scuttled to my room, choosing a black tuxedo – for these were all I had.

        ((A/N: **Giggles** doesn't that paint a funny picture? Erik opening his closet and trying to decide which black tux he's going to wear today… hehe…))

        I slicked my raven black hair back once more, making sure that my mask was fastened on tightly. Rapidly, I exited my room and awaited Christine.

        "Erik?" Her small voice tentatively murmured.

        "I am here." I stated, my voice faint.

        She was beautiful, as always. The dress fell below her feet, and trailed her while dragging on the floor. Breathing ever so quietly, I approached her, leading her into the dining room.

        Her eyes lit up as they befell the unstinted candles surrounding her. The candles softly glowed, reflecting tenderly off of her angelic face. Allowing her to be seated, I sat across from her, of course. Slowly, she gently picked up the fork, eating her food. I emulated her actions, my eyes never leaving her sight.

        When we both finished the meal, I stood and escorted her into the drawing room, where additional candles awaited us. Turning to see her reaction, I pressed am amorous kiss to her hand.

        "Erik, why did you do this?" She requested, a hint of pleasure in her voice.

        "Because I love you," I simply replied, affectionately touching her cheek, "You have made me… the happiest man alive, Christine…"

Timidly leaning towards her, I dotingly claimed her lips. Shyly placing her hands around my neck, she deepened the kiss, as I slipped my hands slowly around her waist. Gradually releasing her lips, I stared down at her for a moment. Picking her up, I sat down on the couch. Nuzzling in my arms, a soft smile appeared on her lips.

As she yawned, I realized how late it must be, for I too was tired. Her eyes closed, as she fell into a euphoric sleep… still in my arms. Making myself slightly more comfortable, I remained holding her as I too drifted off into the night.

The end of the first day…